Your observation is correct Steve, the inset and protruding stones in the fourth and fifth tiers of stonework are coincident with the encased arches in the Woods built double Town which was removed to build the Storrs designed Pratt we know and love. And with the stonework being raised in height for that previous incarnation, these are almost without doubt "Springstones" for those arches.

I wonder if you might be open to my adding your photo (with accreditation) to my history of the crossing? With it being as much about the stonework and its concurrent loss with the removal of the Sewell's Falls and the predecessor bridges that granite carried.

I see the covered up the plaque with a clearance sign. This is evidence of how little its owners care for the history of the bridge. How hard would it be to mount the sign elsewhere on the portal? I see this nonsense all the time in Pennsylvania, I see New Hampshire is no different.

The Sewall's was briefly closed earlier this week for soil compaction tests, as part of the prep for engineering the new abutments for the replacement span. I took it as a prompt and reminder to get out and shoot some photos.

I added a few of those and the name of the contracted builder to the data page.

With all the bad news surrounding the bridge of late, I thought I'd add this story and its goodtime observations which go to my fondness of and the universal decency always shown by those using one lane bridges, even busy ones.

Now this has become a bipartisan sport. Existing examples of New Hampshire's civil engineering heritage will continue to bother elected and appointed officials for generations to come. Expect the last historic spans to be targeted by Granite State and national politicians in the upcoming years... Until they are all removed.